NASHVILLE, Feb. 24, 2014 – The Tennessee Bar Association released a new handbook today designed to help Tennesseans better understand federal and state benefits, new health care laws and a wide range of other issues of importance to senior citizens. The Legal Handbook for Tennessee Seniors is available for download on the TBA website and will be the subject of presentations across the state starting this week.

The handbook is a project of TBA President Cindy Wyrick of Sevierville. In announcing the release of the book, Wyrick explained the motivation for creating the new resource. "As difficult as it is to fathom, an average of 7,000 Americans are becoming senior citizens each day and this dramatic increase in the senior population is expected to continue for years to come. With that in mind, it was important to me to do something meaningful to assist this rapidly growing, but typically underserved, segment of the population." Wyrick also noted that the current senior population growth represents the largest single population explosion in U.S. history. "Despite this fact, information and resources for our senior citizens are often fragmented, out-of-date and difficult to find. The Legal Handbook for Tennessee Seniors will fill that gap by providing practical advice in an easy to read format," she said.

The 330-page handbook is available as a free download from the TBA website and users are welcome to print it and make copies to share with friends and family. The handbook will be an ongoing project for the association and will be updated as laws and program requirements change.

Those who want to learn more are invited to attend one of several live presentations taking place this week as part of the handbook launch and throughout the month of March. The TBA website includes a list of events, contacts to request an event in your area and information about presenting the material or receiving training to give presentations.

The Legal Handbook for Tennessee Seniors was developed by the TBA Public Education Committee under the leadership of Knoxville lawyer and Co-Chair Angelia Nystrom. A full list of volunteers who assisted with the project is also available on the website. Staff support was provided by Liz Todaro.

The Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) is the largest professional association in Tennessee with more than 13,000 members. Founded in 1881, the TBA provides opportunities for continuing legal education, professional development and public service. The TBA’s dedication to serving the state’s legal community is evidenced by its membership roll, which represents the entire spectrum of legal practice: plaintiff and defense lawyers, corporate counsel, judges, prosecutors, public defenders, government lawyers and legal services attorneys.